"I just got cleared two weeks ago, so all I've got to do is stay positive and stay the course and help the young guys out," Moyer said. "It was a tough loss (to NC State) because of the effort. We knew we needed to come out with effort and energy."

Vanderbilt ended a three-game losing streak to Middle Tennessee, increasing its lead to 30-7 in the series.

"Vandy took advantage of its open opportunities," MTSU coach Nick McDevitt said. "Knocked down open shots. Just shot the ball very well."

Antonio Green, who scored a career-high 30 points in Saturday's loss to Lipscomb, led the Blue Raiders with 18 points as Middle Tennessee lost its fifth straight game after starting the season 3-1.

"We feel like we're getting better, but it's depressing losing," said Green, who is three points shy of 1,000 for his career. "We've got a tough schedule."

MTSU's Reggie Scurry added 14 on 6 of 9 shooting.

Vanderbilt went 18 of 19 from the foul line (95 percent) and made nine 3-pointers.

Vanderbilt took charge early, grabbing a 42-21 halftime lead as Middle Tennessee missed 18 of its first 26 shots.

Aaron Nesmith led the Commodores with eight rebounds and added nine points.

BIG PICTURE

Middle Tennessee: The Blue Raiders' slump continued as they struggled offensively.

Vanderbilt: The Commodores still are adjusting to the loss of Garland, who sat on the bench for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He was projected as a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

BUTLER ELIGIBLE

Middle Tennessee's Darnell Butler, a Seminole State (Okla.) transfer, was ruled eligible Wednesday. Butler, who averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 rebounds last season, didn't enter the Vanderbilt game until the final 82 seconds.

REMEMBERING TURNER

A moment of silence was held before the game to honor Vanderbilt tight end Turner Cockrell, who died Thursday after a one-year battle with melanoma. He was 21.

UP NEXT

Middle Tennessee: Hosts Murray State (4-1) on Saturday.

Vanderbilt: Hosts No. 20 Arizona State (7-0) on Dec. 17 after a 12-day break for final exams.

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